It’s never easy asking for financial assistance from anyone, especially family and friends, but in the seven years since I posted the first episode of Matt’s Basement Workshop a lot of things have changed.

Recording equipment, cameras, hosting services, shop set-ups and even the tools and projects I’ve used and built over that same time.

The one thing that hasn’t changed is the generosity and appreciation from the viewers and visitors of the show.

I’m still uncomfortable asking for assistance in such a manner as this, but I know from previous experience, I’ve always been amazed by the heart-felt support and reaction whenever I’ve needed help.

Amongst the many changes at MBW Podcast has been the format of the show. In 2006 the first episodes started as an audio only podcast. Shortly afterwards I recorded the first video episode, and since then, the show has continued evolving year after year.

While my camera and audio equipment has undergone significant changes the most important piece of the show, the website, hasn’t had a significant change in quite a long time.

That’s the reason for this fundraiser. In order to create an amazing destination for the audience to visit I need to raise the money to hire someone who can take my existing site and transform into something much more user friendly.

A place where visitors can find the content they’re looking for much easier, a site that’s far more uncluttered than the current and one with plenty of room for upgrades and expansion as new and better ideas for interaction with fellow woodworkers arise. I’ve already talked with someone who can do just THAT and can’t wait to get started!

While I know many of you would be more than willing to donate money without the expectation of a reward, other than continuing to produce more and more content, I have a set of reward levels to say thanks for your donations.

Once the new website is launched I plan to post a walk-through video to show off some of the new features and the overall new look.

Level 1 – $5 – Your $5 donation gets your name posted as a “Friend of MBW” in the show notes for the walk-through video. My way of saying “Thank You” and letting others know you helped to make this much more improved website happen.

Level 2 – $10 – Your $10 donation gets your name posted as a “Supporter of MBW” in the show notes AND included in the credits at the end of the video.

Level 3 – $50 – Your $50 donation includes the same as Level 2 plus you get a “Your brain on Matt’s Basement Workshop” t-shirt to wear proudly in the shop or wherever you need to look your best.

Level 4 – $100 – Your $100 donation includes the same as Level 3 plus a “468×60” banner ad for your personal message, your company or whatever you want to promote (family friendly only) during a month of your choosing after the new website goes live.

Level 5 – $200 – Your $200 donation includes the same as Level 3 plus a “Sponsorship” ad spot in the videos released during the month of your choosing after the new website goes live. A great opportunity to get your personal message, your company or whatever you want to promote (family friendly only) out to the people that can appreciate it the most.

Thank you for taking the time to check out this fundraiser video and what I have to offer in exchange for your help. Even if you can’t donate at any level, I truly appreciate your visiting the site as often as you have.